Combination bone fixation/immobilization apparatus
View Patent ↗A combination bone fixation/immobilization apparatus is adapted to stabilize a patient's foot and ankle. A foot plate is adapted to have one or more transfixation wires or pins or screws fixed thereto. A substantially rigid leg support assembly is adapted to receive a patient's leg, the leg support comprising a cuff and a strap adapted to secure the cuff around the patient's leg. The leg support is rigidly attached to the foot plate. A patient's foot may thereby be fixed with transfixation wires, or pins or screws and simultaneously immobilized with respect to the ankle and lower leg.
1. A combination bone fixation/immobilization apparatus adapted to stabilize a patient's foot and ankle, the apparatus comprising:
a foot plate adapted to have one or more of transfixation wires fixed thereto; and
a substantially rigid leg support assembly adapted to receive a patient's leg, the leg support comprising a cuff and a strap adapted to secure the cuff around the patient's leg;
wherein the leg support is rigidly attached to the foot plate;
whereby a patient's foot may be fixed with transfixation wires, and the foot is simultaneously immobilized with respect to the ankle and lower leg.
2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising a foot support assembly rigidly attached to the foot plate and adapted to support the sole of a patient's foot.
3. An apparatus as described in claim 1 , wherein the leg support includes a liner foreplate.
4. An apparatus as described in claim 2 , wherein there is a variable, adjustable height connection between the foot plate and the foot support.
5. An apparatus as described in claim 1 , further comprising a three-point attachment of the leg support to the foot plate.
6. An apparatus as described in claim 1 , wherein the leg support further comprises a bladder filled with air, other gas, gel, foam or liquid.
7. An apparatus as described in claim 1 , wherein the leg support further comprises a foam molded cushion.
8. An apparatus as described in claim 1 , wherein the leg support is attached to the foot plate in a generally perpendicular position to a plane including the foot plate.
9. A combination bone fixation/immobilization apparatus adapted to stabilize a patient's foot and ankle, the apparatus comprising:
a foot plate adapted to have one or more transfixation wires fixed thereto; and
a substantially rigid leg support assembly adapted to receive a patient's leg, the leg support comprising a cuff and a strap adapted to secure the cuff around the patient's leg; and
a foot support assembly rigidly attached to the leg support and adapted to support the sole of a patient's foot;
wherein the foot plate is adapted to be positioned at least partially around and outside the leg and foot support assemblies.
10. An apparatus as described in claim 9 , wherein the leg support includes a liner foreplate.
11. An apparatus as described in claim 9 , wherein the leg support further comprises an bladder filled with air, other gas, gel, foam or liquid.
12. An apparatus as described in claim 9 , wherein the leg support further comprises a foam molded cushion.
13. An apparatus as described in claim 9 , wherein the leg support is attached to the foot plate in a generally perpendicular position to a plane including the foot plate.
14. An apparatus as described in claim 9 , wherein the leg support and the foot support are a single, continuous piece.
15. An apparatus as described in claim 9 , further comprising a strut connected on one end to the leg support and on the opposite end to the foot support.
16. An apparatus as described in claim 15 , wherein the rigid attachment between the leg support and foot support is a hinge.